Curator’s statement
Having been raised in Tucson, and being a proud UofA graduate, the Old Pueblo holds a special place in my heart. With its natural beauty, historical sites and dynamic food scene, there is something for everyone in Tucson. This guide outlines the top things to do and see in Tucson for a long weekend.
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Where to stay
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Sophisticated hotel located in the Sonoran Desert with upscale rooms and suites offering views of the Tortolita Mountains.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Canyon Ranch, Tucson
Luxe wellness resort nearby the Sonoran Desert with customized rooms and multi-bedroom suites.
Fora Perks
- ★
Food & beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa
Relaxing and rejuvenating Arizona resort with a wellness perspective that ranges from horseback therapy to sound healing and more.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Emily to book your trip.
Day 1: Sonoran Desert Museum & Gaslight Theatre
Start the day by visiting the Sonoran Desert Museum, which displays a mix of botanical elements mixed with natural history. The museum highlights the distinctive elements of the sonoran desert.
Head over to The Cup Cafe located at the historic Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson for a flavorful lunch. Make sure to walk around the hotel lobby and explore the rich history of the place where the infamous bank robber John Dillinger was captured in 1934.
For a night of fun, head over the the Gaslight Theater for dinner and a show filled with live music, comedy and plenty melodrama. The audience is encouraged to cheer for the heroes and boo the villains, making the Gaslight a engaging and entertaining experience for people of all ages.
Day 2: Hiking & Local Dishes
On your second day in Tucson, head out to Sabino Canyon and hike one (or some) of the many trails offered. Too tired from the night before and hiking doesn’t sound good? Take the tram and hop on and off at one of the stops along the canyon and walk as far or as little to explore the many nooks and crannies the canyon offers. If it’s warm and the water is flowing, bring your suit to go for a swim in the cool waters! Remember to always bring water and stay hydrated.
You can go to Tucson without trying the ever so famous Sonoran Hot Dog. El Guero Canelo, BK Tacos and Karamelo King are some of my favorites. I always get a sonoran dog and a carne asada karamelo! For dinner, head to Charro Steak in downtown Tucson for a elevated, cowboy steak dining experience.
After dinner, stroll down 4th avenue to admire the eclectic vibe and stop in The Rustic Candle to pick up a local made candle to take home with you.
Day 3: Enjoy the Landscape
On your final day, enjoy breakfast at Prep & Pastry for a more modern twist on the traditional breakfast. My go-to dish is the monte cristo and I’ll wash it down with a nice mimosa.
After breakfast, take the scenic byway up to Mount Lemmon which stands at the top of the Santa Catalina mountains. Mount Lemmon is a oasis for Tucsonan’s to getaway from Tucson for a weekend to either escape the heat in the summer, or ski at the resort in the winter. After exploring, stop by the Mt Lemmon Cookie Cabin for a sweet treat to enjoy on the scenic drive back down the mountain.
For dinner on your last night, enjoy the stunning setting that the Grill at Hacienda del Sol offers. The Grill specializes in Southwest-inspried cuisine and is surrounded by beautiful landscape.
![Advisor - Emily O'Gorman](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1717346446/5446c18f-0695-4f03-aec7-2bc3e6e2844d.jpg)
Travel Advisor
Emily O'Gorman
Get in touch with Emily
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Rebecca Hanson’s guide, Slow Travel through the Tuscan Hill Towns.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Arizona.